Staged Architecture: The Work of Mark Fisher (Architectural Monographs, No. 52)

This lavishly illustrated monograph features a selection of Fisher's recent projects for such legendary bands as Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones and U2, together with a text derived from a series of in-depth interviews with Fisher and his collaborators. This material has been organised into a series of thematic sections in which Eric Holding weaves a critical analysis of the broader cultural context into the specific circumstances of Fisher's career, producing a rich and illuminating discourse on this popular art form.
The notion of 'staged architecture' is fundamental to an understanding of Fisher's work and the way in which he designs for an audience/performer relationship. This includes the use of powerful visual codes and narrative themes which reinforce the message of the band and, in an age of marketing, ultimately informs their 'brand identity'. Staged architecture also refers to the importance of time in Fisher's work. This not only governs the way in which his dynamic environments transform during performance but also plays a critical role in the logistics of mounting a rock tour, the 'choreography of construction' that is required to ensure the these ephemeral structures are efficiently transported between venues.
In more than sixty full-colour spreads the diversity and power of Fisher's work is captured using hundreds of images, many of them previously unpublished, including sketches, presentation drawings, computer animations, technical drawings, video stills and spectacular photographs that provide a record of the events themselves.
Mark Fisher is a British architect with an international reputation for the design of spectacular rock concerts. Over the past 25 years he has created some of the most memorable rock shows ever staged. His designs include The Wall and Division Bell for Pink Floyd, Steel Wheels and Bridges to Babylon for the Rolling Stones, and Zoo TV and Popmart for U2. Many other distinguished rock artists have performed on his stage, including Elton John. R.E.M., Tina Turner, Phil Collins, Janet Jackson and Cher. He also designed numerous one-off events, including multi-media shows in Japan, spectacles for Jean-Michel Jarre and Aquamatrix, the nightly show at the Lisbon Exp98. He is currently working with Peter Gabriel on a show for the Greenwich Millennium Done in London.